System with gradual change of light distribution or shadow distribution on a surface comprising light elements or photovoltaic elements

ABSTRACT

The present invention refers to a system including light processing elements, arranged in a respective installation area and combined with a respective construction, at least partially above and/or next to an occupational or passage space, whereby said light processing elements or respective constructions produce a general light distribution over said occupational or passage space, that is more favorable in terms of visual performance and comfort, and that may assist and adjust to activities requiring different levels thereof. The inventive system is used for energy and/or information conversion and distribution, as part of one construction or clusters of constructions, for example disposed along traffic ways.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation based on U.S. Ser. No. 14/232,233, filed on Mar.26, 2014, which claims priority from PCT/PT2012/000028, filed Jul. 12,2012 incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system presenting light processingelements in a respective reference installation area, and to aconstruction presenting said system and disposed at least partiallyabove and/or next to spaces of occasional or regular human occupation ortransit, and producing a comfortable and efficient general lightdistribution thereupon.

Illustrative uses of said systems include distributed energy generationand their combination with superstructures along traffic ways and otheroccupational or passage spaces.

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing number of designs of constructions includingdaylight processing means, such as solar energy panels, disposed at anelevation at least partially above or next to areas frequently and/oroccasionally occupied by humans, for example while relaxing or workingin it, and/or traversed by humans, for example while walking or drivingalong it, and producing a given light distribution thereupon. Said lightdistribution has a substantial impact upon human comfort andperformance, in particular upon visual comfort and behavioralresponsiveness. In general, the goal of the design of such lightdistribution may vary from providing a general pleasant feeling in areasof short occupation to reducing the risks of attention distress andvisual responsiveness attenuation in areas requiring high levels ofvision accuracy and overall attention to varying circumstances andfactors. Moreover, the installation of said superstructures at leastpartly above the occupation! passage area represents a problem in viewof providing favorable light distribution and in particular avoidingacuity shadow light patterns along extensive lengths, especially duringperiods of significant luminance outside of said superstructures, incombination with constructions of minimal complexity and resistant toadverse weather conditions. This is particularly relevant in the case ofsuperstructures disposed along traffic ways.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,407 discloses an assembly for shading of spacethat can be negotiated on foot, whereby at least some of the elementspresent a different orientation from the others so as to maximize theincident solar irradiation at different times of a day. The WO2010/0064942 and the WO 2012/074423 disclose superstructures carryingsolar energy, and eventually information systems, substantially aboveand along traffic ways. None of these documents consider or propose asolution to the issue of the light distribution resulting upon aneighboring occupational space.

It is not yet known, in the prior art of a solution to the problem posedby distributions of light processing elements in the vicinity ofoccupational/passage areas, particularly in view of visual comfort andperformance, and the possibility of adjusting a resulting lightdistribution according to varying daylight conditions or otheroperational parameters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary goal of the present invention is to provide a systemcomprising light processing elements, at least including light energyconversion elements, such as solar energy elements, or light wavelengthemission elements, such as lamps or infrared devices, that providesenhanced visual conditions, in particular visual comfort and performanceconditions, as required by activities in neighboring spaces.

The aforementioned goal is attained according to a first inventiveaspect by a system comprising light processing elements arranged in areference installation area and combined with a respective construction,disposed at least partially next to and/or enclosing a respectivereference occupational/passage space, in that said light processingelements and/or respective constructions are differently executed and/ordistributed and/or operated in such a way so as to produce a generallight distribution including a substantially gradual distribution oflight intensity and preferentially a substantially irregulardistribution of shadow, preferentially in a diverse and/or granularand/or blurred shadow-light or dark-clear pattern, along at least asubstantial part of said reference space or overall length thereof. Inthis context, “diverse” means inclusion of different tones or colors,“granular” means in great number and of relatively small size, and“blurred” means predominantly non-abrupt transitions of tone or color,as perceived at least on a horizontal plane of said reference space. Inparticular, said system produces a general natural light distributionthat does not include relatively big areas of abrupt variation of lightintensity, at least when compared to adjacent areas and/or to prevailingoutside light intensity, eventually leading to glare, and/or ofsubstantially acuity shadow light patterns, eventually leading to visualfatigue and misperception, and/or relatively big extensions, ofsubstantially similar and/or continuous shadow and/or of substantiallysharp shadow-light transition and/or of substantial variations of itsoverall dimension and/or pattern and/or spatial distribution, at leastduring the period of solar radiation most directly incident thereupon,eventually leading to visual fatigue and/or visual contrast attenuation.In this context, “acuity patterns” are considered to includehigh-contrast stripes, chequerboard and highly regimented geometric,graphic and dot patterns, and similar substantially geometric patternsincluding those potentially inducing mental stresses.

According to another inventive aspect, said light processing elementsand/or respective constructions are operated in such a way so as toadjust said general light distribution to prevailing conditions,including light intensity outside and/or operational parameters.

In a preferred embodiment, light intensity values should vary by lessthan a given amount at least in relatively big partial areas, or alongrelatively big partial lengths of a reference space. Moreover, lightintensity levels should not decrease under a certain threshold relativeto light intensity levels prevailing outside. In a particularlyadvantageous embodiment, light intensity levels are adjusted so as tovary gradually in relation to said outside light intensity levels, inparticular in certain areas of transition when entering and leaving arespective reference space.

Another goal of the present invention is to advance solutions ofexecuting, distributing or operating light processing elements toproduce certain, specifically intended distributions of light intensityand/or of shadow best supporting certain respective activities or asindications of local conditions. In a preferred embodiment, thedistribution of light intensity may be adjusted so as to vary alongcertain partial areas, such as certain spots or parallel lanes, therebyproviding specific lighting conditions and/or conveying the presence ofparticular activities or circulation conditions.

Another goal of the present invention is to advance a system using theleast and simplest options in terms of different materials, formats,dimensions and relative dispositions, so as to attain a general lightdistribution according to the present invention. This is particularlyrelevant because solar energy elements are usually provided in a singleformat and size. In a preferred embodiment, this goal is achieved bysimilar light processing elements distributed at intervals apart thatvary along only one direction of said reference installation area. Inanother embodiment, there is provided a system in which one partial areaof the installation area presents a non-symmetrical distribution ofsimilar light processing elements and/or respective constructions, andwhereby said partial area is used again in other locations but inanother relative orientation, so as to modularly produce said generallight distribution. In another embodiment, there is even provided aregular distribution of substantially similar presenting different lightprocessing elements, but light interaction properties and/or carryingout different processes, such as light energy conversion (includingprocesses), photovoltaic, photochromic and photoelectric lightdistribution (including partial transmission or reflection in differentcolors), and light wavelength emission (including visible light,infrared and microwaves), so that they contribute differently to theresulting light distribution produced upon a respective space. In apreferred embodiment, light distributing elements, that change at leastone parameter of a visible light beam incident thereupon, such as in asemi-transparent colored material, are disposed next to light processingelements of substantially different light transmission, such as opaquephotovoltaic elements. In a particularly preferred embodiment, saidlight processing elements or a respective construction are provided in asingle element of wide-area format presenting irregular light-through orlight-blocking forms, for example in the form of a tensile membrane orof a mesh of rigid pines. In another preferred embodiment, a systemaccording to the invention includes light processing elements ofsubstantially annular format, arranged in a, at least partiallysuperimposed and/or concentric relative arrangement, preferentiallyallowing substantial vision through the installation area.

Another goal of the present invention is to provide a system thatadjusts, preferentially automatically, to varying conditions and/orevents. In a preferred embodiment, at least some of said lightprocessing elements are operated according to place and/or time varyingconditions, for example relating to light conditions outside of saidreference space, or to the use of said space. In another embodiment, thepossibility of using light processing elements, such as photochromic orphotoelectric elements, and/or light wavelength emitting elements, suchas visible light, infrared or microwave devices, allows to provide forparticular light conditions or information to users according to varyingoperational parameters.

It is a further goal of the present invention to provide a constructionpresenting a system according to the invention that maximizesoperational efficiency of said light processing elements, requiresminimal construction volume, maximum construction simplicity and isresistant to adverse weather conditions. This is particularly relevantin the case of superstructures with said system disposed at a height.

The present invention further discloses uses of a system andconstruction according to the invention, including as an energy and/orinformation generation and distribution system, including being used asat least one display of patterns, signs, symbols or messages at leasttowards said reference space.

The present invention shall be explained henceforth in more detail byreference to illustrative embodiments thereof, schematically representedin the drawings. The Figures show:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1a -b: schematic representations of conventional distributions oflight processing elements;

FIGS. 2a -2 b: schematic representations of conventional distributionsof light processing elements provided in a plurality constructions;

FIGS. 3a -3 b: schematic representations of conventional distributionsof groups of light processing elements provided in a commonconstruction;

FIGS. 4a -4 d: schematic representations of a first embodiment of asystem (10) and construction (5) according to the invention;

FIGS. 5a -5 c: schematic representations of a second embodiment of asystem (10) and construction (5) according to the invention;

FIGS. 6a -6 e: schematic representations of a third embodiment of asystem (10) and construction (5) according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In all Figures, shaded areas represent light processing elements (1 a, .. . )—at least one of which is a light energy converting (2 a, . . . )or light emitting element (3 a, . . . ) arranged in an installation area(4 a, . . . , 4) represented in dashed lines, and combined with arespective construction (5 a, . . . i 5). When said constructions (5 a,. . . ) are disposed directly next or relatively close to each other, asingle installation area (4) and a respective overall reference space(6) are considered—represented in dotted lines. Said reference space (6a, . . . i 6) basically corresponds to that being abridged by a generallight distribution resulting from a respective installation area (4 a, .. . i 4).

FIGS. 1 to 3 are illustrations of conventional cases. FIG. 1a is a sideview of two superstructures (5 a, 5 b), disposed relatively close toeach other, and FIG. 1b is a respective plan view. Said superstructures(5 a, 5 b) thereby present solar energy means—one (2 a) in one case (5a) and three (2 a, 2 b, 2 c) in the other (5 b)—in each case defining a•respective installation area (4 a, 4 b) disposed at a height (Ha, Hb)above a respective occupation/passage area (6 a, 6 b), for example aurban park or a road, thereby defining an overall reference space (6)with a relevant length (L) along one direction (x) thereof. The firstsuperstructure (5 a) presents one light energy conversion element (2 a)in a substantially continuous extension therefore projecting acontinuous and uniform shadow extending along most of a respectivereference space (6 a) and leading to a substantial reduction of lightintensity levels thereupon when compared to outside. The secondsuperstructure (5 b) presents three substantially similar light energyconversion elements (2 a, 2 b, 2 c) distributed in a substantiallyregular pattern over the installation area (4 b), and thereforeprojecting a corresponding shadow pattern. Albeit this configurationmight lead to a smaller reduction of light intensity levels along saidreference space (6 b), it is further a regular pattern that would becomea source of visual discomfort.

FIG. 2a illustrates the case of a plurality of light processing elementsin a plurality of constructions (Sa, . . . ) installed successivelyalong a predominant direction, such as for example along an at leastpartially above of a roadway. In a conventional disposition of solarenergy means in respective installation areas (4 a, . . . ), it wouldresult in a succession of intense light/dark shadow areas, eventuallywith substantial variations of light intensity along a respective basearea (6 a, . . . ). This configuration affects the visual comfort ofdrivers, eventually leading to hazardous glare situations, enhancedfatigue and visual impairments. This is illustrated in FIG. 2b where atop view of two successions of light processing elements in respectiveinstallation areas (4 a, . . . ) illustrates cases of regular shadowpatterns repeating along a given direction (x), thereby eventuallyleading to visual fatigue, after a given critical length (L′). In thecase depicted above in FIG. 2b , substantial variations of lightintensity might lead to a sort of stroboscopic effect, and associatedsafety risks for drivers. The drawing below, illustrates a case with nosubstantial variations of light intensity, patterns, but insubstantially regular so-called acuity visual light distributionpatterns, again eventually leading to visual fatigue after a givencritical ‘length (L′). In fact, the eyes of drivers would need to adjustto abrupt and substantial variations of luminance, such as when drivinginto a tunnel. As an extreme condition, an extensive length ofsuperstructures with relatively short but relatively substantialvariations of ambient luminance could lead to a sort of stroboscopiceffect of substantial discomfort and even hazardous to upon drivers andpassengers.

FIG. 3a shows a plan view of light processing elements (1 a, . . . )provided as similar photovoltaic elements (2 a, . . . ); in a pluralityof substantially similar installation areas (4 a, . . . ), collectivelyforming a total installation area (4) represented by the thicker dashedline in a glazed construction (5) as it is known to be used for examplein atria roofs and building facades. While reducing any substantialvariations of light intensity when compared to outside luminance, it isreadily apparent that this type of system also leads to a substantiallyacuity, monotonic and repetitive shadow pattern. An alternativedistribution is illustrated in FIG. 3b , where said constructions (5 a,. . . ) are clustered relatively close apart, in a common installationarea (4). As it can be seen, even though a minor part—for example, (4a)—of such total area (4) presents a variable pattern distribution, thispattern is then repeated in a regular distribution in the rest of saidtotal area (4). In both cases it is schematically represented arepeating pattern of light distribution being projected upon a criticalpart (6′)—represented in dotted line—of a respective base area, andalong a critical length (L′) in a direction (x)—both of respectivelyrelevant relative size within the total reference space (6).

FIGS. 4a-4d are plan views of a first embodiment of a system (10)according to the present invention, whereby there are providedsubstantially similar light processing elements (1 a, . . . ) within arespective installation area (4 a, . . . ).

FIG. 4a shows on the left-side an installation area (4 a) presentinglight processing elements (1 a, . . . ) of substantially similardimensions, format and material, in a distribution pattern (A) (see topdrawing) along certain parallel lines (a, b, . . . ), at distancesregular along (y) but varying along (x). Because this particulardistribution is not symmetrical, it may be placed in the same or in arotated position (B) (see bottom drawing) elsewhere within a givenreference installation area (4). On the right-side there is aconstruction (S) presenting a plurality of light processing elements (1a, . . . ) all further of similar format and dimensions. In oneembodiment (see top drawing) it is the relative position of the lightprocessing elements that varies within respective constructions (Sa,″,), provided in the form of openings in a given material, whereas inanother embodiment (see bottom drawing) it is the relative size anddistribution of the constructions (Sa, . . . ) that varies.

FIG. 4b shows a system (10) including a plurality of partialinstallation areas {4 a, ″,} disposed in relative proximity to eachother and thus defining a total reference installation area (4).Moreover, in this case, besides of said two patterns (A, B), the patterndensity of said light processing elements (1 a, . . . )is adjusted tovary along three sections (I, II, III) extending along a given direction(x).

FIG. 4c represents a system (10) further using two modular dispositions(A, B), this time of elements of similar format and two differentdimensions, disposed for example along a traffic way—whereby trafficcirculates along (x). As illustrated, a selected, substantiallyirregular distribution of the two dimensions of light processingelements (1 a, . . . ) and certain “blank” areas, allow attaining adistribution of light according to the invention. Moreover, in this casethe “pattern density” of light processing elements (1 a, . . . ) in theinstallation area (4 a), is selected so as to gradually adjust saidlight intensity variation along a given direction (x), thereby graduallyreducing light intensity along an ingoing length (L_(in)), and graduallyincreasing it again along an outgoing length (L_(out)). The actual rateof variation of light intensity along (x) is preferentially to beselected as a function of the total length (L) of the system (10) andtraffic related parameters, such as location, road typology andcirculation speed.

FIG. 4d shows a system (10) presenting a construction (5 a) in the formof a mesh or web, whereby the disposition of the web wires and resultingreduced relative size of the interspaces, in this case in the form ofdiamonds, produces a granular shadow pattern and respective lightdiffraction (top drawing). Advantageously, said mesh constructions maychange their format and resulting shadow density (bottom drawing).

FIGS. 5a-5c are plan views of a second preferred embodiment of a system(10) according to the present invention, whereby its installation area(4 a, . . . ) presents light energy converting elements (2 a, . . . ) ofone format and dimension, in a regular distribution, together with lightdistributing elements (7 a, . . . )—represented in dotted areas—providedin irregular format and/or distribution relative to said light energyconverting elements (2 a, . . . ).

FIG. 5a shows on the left-side an installation area (4 a) with foursimilar light energy converting elements (2 a, . . . ), in asubstantially regular distribution, and a plurality of semi-transparentlight distribution elements (7 a, . . . ) of various shapes anddimensions, arranged in a substantially irregular fashion, next to saidlight energy converting elements (2 a, . . . ). Alternatively, theinstallation area (4 a) on the right-side is combined with oneconstruction (S) presenting irregular openings and disposed underneathsaid light energy converting elements (2 a, . . . ). This construction(5) may be designed as a substantially flat and continuous element,preferentially presenting a different transparency as the light energyconverting elements (2 a, . . . ), or as a plurality of thin non-rigidelements, for example a irregular mesh of wires, either planar or not,providing for light interference and a granular blurring of a resultingshadow pattern.

FIG. 5b illustrates another application of a system (10) where theinstallation areas (4 a, . . . ) are disposed along two rows at arelatively reduced distance apart, thus resulting in a lightdistribution upon a substantially continuous reference space (6).

FIG. 5c shows systems (10 a, 10 b) according to the invention wherebyboth the respective installation areas (4 a, 4 b) present a regulardistribution of light energy converting elements (2 a, . . . ) ofsimilar sizes and formats, together with an irregular distribution oflight distribution elements (7 a, . . . ) and blank-areas. The one (1Ob)on the bottom presents light distribution elements (7 a) with twodifferent degrees of transparency and/or color thereby producing twodifferent light intensity levels and respective density patterns inrelation to the overall installation area (4 a, . . . ; 4).

In a preferred embodiment, at least some of the light processingelements (1 a, . . . ) are actuated, preferentially automatically, bymeans of detecting variations of outside light conditions so as to varythe light intensity levels, eventually also the shadow patterns anddensities, along a respective base area (6).

FIGS. 6a-6e illustrate another preferred embodiment of a system (10)according to the invention.

FIG. 6a shows a plan view of two installation areas (4 a, 4 b) and afront view of the second on the right, including light energy convertingelements (2 a, . . . ) and light emitting elements (3 a, . . . ), allthereby presenting a substantially similar annular format, in this caseof opensquare configuration. The system (10 b) on the right differs inthat it includes a light energy converting element (2 e) at the centreof another (2 d) f and a light emitting element (3 a) at the center of alight distribution element (7 a). The result of combining such partialinstallation areas (4 a, 4 b) in a wider system (10) is illustrated onthe left side of FIG. 6b . This could be, for example, the case of theroof or curtain façade of a building, as schematically illustrated onthe top view on the right side. FIG. 6c shows another embodiment of apartial installation area (4 a) in top plan view on the left side and infront view on the right side. FIG. 6d represents the expansion of suchinstallation area (4 a) to a wider reference installation area (4), notnecessarily of regular layout (schematically represented by a top viewon the right side) disposed for example above of a respective referencespace (6). FIG. 6e shows plan views in two successive moments (previousone in the top drawing and a next one in the bottom one) of part of asystem (10) according to the invention whereby the light processingelements are operated according to varying light intensity or userelated conditions, and eventually only in certain partial areasthereof, thereby producing a general light distribution according to theinvention. As illustrative application possibilities, some of said lightprocessing elements could be photochromic thereby adjusting to, forexample, varying daylight conditions, or could be photoelectric and, forexample, sense the presence of a person or passage of a vehicle, orcould emit light in certain locations so as to compensate for variationsof ambient light, or could emit microwaves and, for example, transferdata according to the needs of users in a respective location. Inpreferred embodiments, the relative dimension and distribution of blankspaces or semi-transparent elements allows a certain degree of visionthrough the installation area. In preferred embodiments, the dimensionand distribution of light emitting elements allows forming visual signs,such as for example alphanumeric signs and/or images. In preferredembodiments, said system and constructions are perceived as a singleentity, at least by people moving at a usual speed along a givendirection (x) of a respective reference space.

I claim:
 1. An elevated platform for allocating sunlight incidentthereupon to surfaces therebelow, comprising: a plurality of sunlightimpinged elements arranged on said elevated platform, at least one ofthe sunlight impinged elements converting sunlight into another energyform; and at least one of the sunlight impinged elements transmittingsunlight below the elevated platform into a cluster of granular,non-uniform areas of light and shadow.
 2. The elevated platform of claim1, wherein the non-uniform areas are irregular in shape.
 3. The elevatedplatform of claim 1, wherein the non-uniform areas of light and shadoware of varying intensities.
 4. The elevated platform of claim 1, whereinthe non-uniform areas of light and shadow include light of varyingcolor.
 5. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein at least a portionof the light impinged elements are opaque.
 6. The elevated platform ofclaim 1, wherein at least one light impinged elements convert andtransmit light.
 7. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein lightconverting elements and light transmitting elements are arranged in amesh arrangement as part of the platform.
 8. The elevated platform ofclaim 1, further comprising light emitting elements.
 9. The elevatedplatform of claim 1, wherein the light processing elements are arrangedin parallel planes.
 10. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein thelight processing elements are arranged in perpendicular planes.
 11. Theelevated platform of claim 1, wherein a position of the light processingelements and light transmitting elements change along a direction oftravel of the elevated platform.
 12. The elevated platform of claim 1,wherein the light transmitting elements are arranged linearly along afirst direction and non-linearly along a direction perpendicular to saidfirst direction.
 13. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein the lighttransmitted is less than fifty percent of the sunlight incident upon theplatform.
 14. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein the lighttransmitting elements vary in light transmissivity within the platform.15. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein the light transmittingelements include photochromatic elements that adjust a lighttransmissivity based on a level of ambient light below the platform. 16.The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein the light transmittingelements are coupled to photoelectric elements that sense movement, andemit light at a higher level when movement is detected.
 17. The elevatedplatform of claim 1, further comprising elements that emit microwavesthat transfer data to users.
 18. The elevated platform of claim 1,wherein the non-uniform areas of light and shadow form alphanumericcharacters that can be interpreted by travelers beneath the platform.